Residents are urged to beat the rush by posting early for Christmas.

The Royal Mail says this is its busiest time of the year so it is encouraging people to post and order presents early to help spread the workload in the run up to Christmas. The postcode is said to be critical at this time of year.

UK latest recommended posting dates for Christmas 2018 are:

  • Tuesday, December 18 for Second Class Mail
  • Thursday, December 20 for First Class Mail
  • Saturday, December 22 for Special Delivery®

Customers sending Christmas cards and presents abroad are also being encouraged to post early. The last posing dates for many European countries is December 17 and 18.